In recent years, CES has increasingly become a platform for automotive innovations, with manufacturers and suppliers unveiling cutting-edge infotainment, autonomous driving, and electric vehicle technologies. This year, the spotlight shifted towards physical AI and robotaxis. Here’s a look at the standout automotive technologies presented at CES 2026.
Qualcomm Snapdragon Ride Flex Platform
Many vehicles today rely on separate systems for infotainment and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to ensure safety. However, this dual-computer setup can complicate design and increase costs. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Ride Flex platform addresses this by integrating both functionalities into a single system-on-chip (SoC) without sacrificing safety. Utilizing mission-critical, real-time software akin to that used in aerospace, this platform enhances power efficiency and flexibility.
Snapdragon Ride Flex is versatile enough to cater to everything from basic economy cars to high-end luxury vehicles. It supports GPS navigation, AI voice assistants, 3D graphics rendering, 5G connectivity, and driver monitoring. Essentially, it leverages Qualcomm’s mobile technology expertise for modern software-defined vehicles (SDVs), accommodating a range of configurations from minimal camera setups to advanced multi-sensor systems. At CES 2026, Qualcomm demonstrated this technology in a modified Lincoln Aviator, with plans for integration into vehicles like the ARCFOX Alpha T5 and Dongfeng Nissan N6, soon to be available in the US market.
[Disclaimer: Qualcomm provided accommodations and meals for my trip to CES 2026, but did not offer any other compensation and did not have any editorial control over my content.]
BMW iX3 with Alexa+ Integration
If you own an Echo smart speaker, you’re likely familiar with Alexa+, Amazon’s advanced voice assistant. At CES 2026, BMW announced a partnership with Amazon to integrate Alexa+ into its Neue Klasse electric vehicles, starting with the iX3 electric SUV.
This customized version of Alexa+ allows for natural conversations with the vehicle, enabling users to ask for nearby drugstores, food recommendations, or current weather updates. The integration also supports music playback, climate control, and smart home device management. Notably, Alexa+ retains context, allowing users to continue conversations started at home while in their BMW. While the experience at CES showed promise, it still needs refinement.
Waymo Ojay Electric Robotaxi
Autonomous driving and robotaxis were prominent at CES 2026. Among the highlights was Waymo’s Ojay robotaxi, the latest iteration of the Zeekr RT. This electric autonomous vehicle is currently being tested in various markets, including San Francisco, and is set to replace Waymo’s existing fleet of Jaguar i-Pace vehicles.
The Ojay features a spacious design built on Zeekr’s SEA-M 800V architecture, equipped with a 76kWh battery and a comprehensive sensor suite comprising 13 cameras, six radars, and four lidars. This setup is designed to ensure optimal performance in various conditions.
Donut Lab Solid-State Battery
Solid-state batteries have long been touted as the future of energy storage, and at CES 2026, Donut Lab showcased what it claims to be the world’s first solid-state battery used in a production electric vehicle, specifically the Verge Motorcycles’ TS Pro. These batteries promise higher energy density, faster charging, and improved safety compared to traditional lithium-ion cells.
Donut Lab’s solid-state battery boasts a lifespan of 100,000 charge cycles, significantly outpacing conventional batteries. The Verge TS Pro, equipped with these batteries, offers an impressive range of 370 miles and rapid charging capabilities.
These innovations represent just a glimpse of the automotive technologies showcased at CES 2026. Other notable mentions include Longbow Motors’ Speedster EV and Strutt’s EV1 autonomous mobility scooter.